Just a Few of my Favorite NC Spots

Even though I have been a little MIA from the blog lately, I certainly have NOT been MIA from the food scene! I think it is so essential that we enjoy good quality foods. This is a post summing up some of my favorite things I've eaten in the last few months. I linked the websites to all of these lovely restaurants, so check them out!

Local 22 Burger and a Big Boss brew

Big Boss Brewery Tour

 

AMAZING tamale from Machu Piccu in North Raleigh (GO THERE)!

From one taco lover to the other...you have to try Nana Taco! 

Cup-A-Joe...My favorite place to grab a latte in Hillsborough

Though it doesn't look like much, this curry chicken salad sandwich from Karma's on 3rd in Mebane is amazing.

If taking a weekend trip to the mountains, stop by for brunch at Kojay's Cafe in Blowing Rock.

If you know me, you know I love a good pizza. Italian pizzeria never lets me down ;) 

Steak and red wine, yes please! Chop House

Sushi Love in Durham 

Ixtapa Restaurante in Hillsborough (one of my favorite Hillsborough restaurants)

Everything is homemade from Ixtapa...from the chips to the guac.

 Ixtapa fish tacos...oh so good!

 If you love coffee as much as I do, you HAVE to take a trip to downtown Durham and go to Cocoa Cinnamon.

 Splurging a little on this Marble Slab ice cream

 Seafood Oioppino from Parizade in Durham

When a new restaurant opens, you bet I'll be one of the first ones to go! Delicious sandwich from Bonafide Sandwich Co. in Hillsborough 

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe never disappoints with it's diverse menu!

Why Its Important to Get Your ZzZzZzzz

Sleep...something most of us don't get enough of and something that I also think is extremely underrated. I feel like everyone is in a routine of being constantly tired, that most of us don't even know what it is like to feel fully rested anymore. Sleep not only helps us feel our best mentally, but it is also a factor in our weight goals. A recent article from Duke Health states that, "Lack of sleep triggers the release of hormones that stimulate hunger and appetite, especially for those high-calorie, carbohydrate-dense foods like cookies, chips and ice cream..." and that "Going to sleep is the best way to satisfy that craving."

Another way that I like to think of it is this: Think about the energy you lose for every hour of missed sleep. During the next day, your body is going to crave quick sources of energy (cue the high fat/high sugar/simple carbohydrate snacks). Unfortunately, a diet high in these types of snacks will lead to an unwanted weight gain.

So, my challenge to you is to try and get 7-8 hours of sleep per night!